Liam Carter
Concave nails, also known as koilonychia, are nails that are indented and concave, like spoons. They are a nail abnormality that can be found in newborns, children and adults. Concave nails are often a sign of iron deficiency, which can be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy periods or undetected intestinal bleeding. However, they can also be caused by other conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Koilonychia |
| Description | Nails that are thin, brittle, and concave, either placed horizontally or vertically |
| Causes | Iron deficiency, heavy bleeding, genetic disorder, lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus, nail fungus, exposure to harsh chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Concave nails are called 'koilonychia' in medical terminology
Concave nails are called koilonychia in medical terminology. The term is derived from the Greek word 'koilos' meaning 'hollow' and 'onikh' meaning 'nail'. Concave nails are characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy, either placed horizontally or vertically. The nail plate seems to be centrally depressed and everted laterally. Koilonychia can be found in newborns, children and adults.
When a patient presents with this symptom, it is important to investigate further to rule out more serious health concerns. The causes of koilonychia are varied, but they can be broadly classified as hereditary or congenital, acquired, and idiopathic. In many cases, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency, which may be caused by excessive bleeding related to heavy menstrual periods in women or undetected intestinal bleeding from an ulcer or precancerous polyp.
Other conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus, or nail fungus may also lead to concave fingernails. Hairdressers who handle harsh chemicals may also develop koilonychia as a reaction. Treatment for koilonychia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, dietary changes and consuming enough iron can help resolve the issue.
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The condition is characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy
Concave nails, also known as spoon nails or koilonychia, are characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy. This means that instead of growing straight, the nails look concave, like spoons. Koilonychia can be found in newborns, children and adults, and can be hereditary or congenital, acquired or idiopathic. It is often a sign of iron deficiency, which may be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy menstrual periods in women or undetected intestinal bleeding from an ulcer or precancerous polyp. In some cases, iron deficiency can be resolved with dietary changes, such as eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements. Other conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus may also lead to concave nails. If you notice changes in your nail shape, it is important to seek medical advice as it may be a sign of a more serious health concern.
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It can be caused by iron deficiency
Concave nails, also known as koilonychia, are nails that are indented and concave, like spoons. They are characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy either placed horizontally or vertically, where the finger or toenail plate seems to be centrally depressed and everted laterally. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency can be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy menstrual periods in women or undetected intestinal bleeding from an ulcer or precancerous polyp. It can also be caused by a lack of iron in the diet, which can be corrected by eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.
If you have concave nails, it is important to speak to a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause of the nail abnormality, but in many cases, it can be resolved by treating the underlying cause, such as iron deficiency. Doctors can test for iron deficiency by taking a full medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering blood tests.
In some cases, concave nails in infants may indicate a genetic disorder, so parents or caregivers should speak to a health professional if they have concerns.
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It can be found in newborns, children, and adults
Concave nails, also known as koilonychia, are a nail abnormality characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy. The word 'koilonychia' comes from the Greek 'koilos' meaning 'hollow' and 'onikh' meaning 'nail'. Concave nails can be found in newborns, children and adults. In many cases, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency, which can be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy periods or undetected intestinal bleeding. However, it can also be caused by other conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus. In infants, it could indicate a genetic disorder.
If you notice changes in your nail shape, it is important to seek medical advice as you may need treatment. Treatment will depend on the cause of koilonychia. In some cases, iron deficiency can be resolved with dietary changes, such as eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.
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It can be caused by lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus
Concave nails, or koilonychia, are nails that are indented and concave, like spoons. They can be a sign of iron deficiency, which may be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy menstrual periods or undetected intestinal bleeding.
In some cases, concave nails can be caused by other conditions, such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus. They can also be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those used by hairdressers.
If you notice changes in your nail shape, it is important to seek medical advice as it may be a sign of a more serious health concern. A doctor will likely take a full medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order blood tests to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause, such as iron deficiency, can help resolve the issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Concave nails are also known as spoon-shaped nails or koilonychia. They are characterised by thin, brittle, concave nail dystrophy either placed horizontally or vertically, where the finger or toenail plate seems to be centrally depressed and everted laterally.
Concave nails are commonly caused by iron deficiency. This may be caused by excessive bleeding, such as heavy periods or undetected intestinal bleeding. In some cases, they may be a sign of a genetic disorder or other conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus or nail fungus.
Doctors can test for koilonychia by putting a drop or two of water on the affected nail. If the water does not run off immediately, you could have this condition.
